Old Brass Decorations

Last year I came across an old brass faucet with some very detailed handels. I knew it had to be worth more than scrap brass value, so I called up a few of the nearest antique places to see if anyplace was interested. I found a bunch of places who would buy them for 150% brass scrap price. I found one place that would buy it them at 150% copper spot price.

Needless to say, I sold it to them to the latter who payed me $10. When I walked into the antique shop, the lady who owned the place told me she would buy any type of older brass decoration or home furnishings for 150% copper spot price. She seemed happy with the faucet I sold her, and I was definitely happy with the prices! So since then I have been going to her with any of that stuff. Some stuff she likes, other stuff she doesn't; But don't rule out resale to antique shops, as they really like old copper and brass items just like the scrap yards.

It just goes to show, some things are worth more than scrap value.

Any tips on how to take apart the brass overflow on a hot water heater? Is there a tool out there that exists that makes it easier? I have about 20 a month to disassemble.

For the valve - 16" channel lock pliers. For the copper tube - Sawzall.

I just beat it with a hammer in the direction to loosen it.. they usually seem to me to be pretty unwilling to move with channel locks.

I removed mine with a pair of channel lock pliers- you can use a 'cheater pipe' over the handles if you need more leverage.

With 16" channel locks, I get a LOT of leverage. I haven't seen much that was threaded stand up to it. I do have a can of WD40 handy, just in case.

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Originally Posted by Reg McDaniel

Any tips on how to take apart the brass overflow on a hot water heater? Is there a tool out there that exists that makes it easier? I have about 20 a month to disassemble.

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Are you asking how to get it off, or how to clean it up and get the ferrous metal out?

The last valve I had I stuck it in a vise, cut through it with a sawzall, then pounded the rest of the innards out.

Just a tip, If your brass valves are glued to plastic hit it with a sledge to break it off. then heat it with a propane torch and pry it with a screwdriver, sounds hard but I can do the whole thing in about a minute if my torch is set up. I can average about 1-1.50 per valve or fitting

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

Are you asking how to get it off, or how to clean it up and get the ferrous metal out?

The last valve I had I stuck it in a vise, cut through it with a sawzall, then pounded the rest of the innards out.

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I now zip through brass with a cutoff wheel in a grinder. Like a hot knife through butter.